This Saturday will mark the halfway point of the 2013 Upward basketball season. I am so grateful for the efforts of so many to make this ministry possible! There are so many different aspects of this ministry that I absolutely love. I love the number of people that our church family comes in contact with as a result of Upward. As the season progresses, I love to watch the relationships that develop between players, their teammates, and their coaches.
I love when one of the more skilled players passes the ball to a teammate who might be a little leery about getting in the mix for a rebound. I love the excitement that is generated in the gym on game days. I love to watch the friendships formed within our own church family as we serve together toward a common goal. I love when a player helps another player off the ground, especially when they are on the other team. I love when games are decided in the closing minutes. I love to see parents encouraging their children. I love when the gym erupts after a player that has struggled all season to make a basket finally gets one in. Most importantly, I love that we get an opportunity to share Christ’s love with players and their families!
In watching all the Upward volunteers in action, it brings the following passage to mind.
Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
I am so thankful that God has made us all unique! That He made us all with different giftedness! How boring, not to mention challenging and ineffective, would it be if we were all good at the same things? It is so uplifting to see God using the skills of so many in the Upward ministry!
If you aren’t certain what your gifts are or aren’t currently serving in Upward or any area of ministry…pick an area of ministry of interest and jump in! There are definitely many opportunities that currently exist and God can use you (and the gifts He has given you) to be a blessing to others! Take the leap…you might just be pleasantly surprised!
Mr. D.